Democracy Dollars Program

In order to use Democracy Dollars, you must be:

• An Oakland resident,
• At least 18 years of age, and
• A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident ("green card holder")

You do not have to be a registered voter to use Democracy Dollars. If you meet the criteria, you may apply for Democracy Dollars.

If you are a registered voter, you will automatically receive your Democracy Dollars by mail. You will also be able to register to assign your Democracy Dollars online.

If you are not a registered voter, you may be eligible apply to receive Democracy Dollars by submitting an application to the Commission.

The Democracy Dollars Fund was not budgeted for the 2026 election. The Public Ethics Commission is planning for program launch in 2028. 

Under Oakland Fair Elections Act, the Commission is required to vote on a delay if it cannot fully implement the program. Because the Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Adopted Budget does not provide funding for the Democracy Dollars vouchers or staffing and resources to administer the full Program or a pilot, distribution and use of Democracy Dollars vouchers for the 2026 election cycle must be postponed. However, the Commission is continuing to build out the technology, policy, and staffing infrastructure to successfully implement the Program in subsequent elections.

Your Democracy Dollars can be given to any participating candidate. A list of participating candidates will be posted on the Program website.

All Oakland elected offices will be eligible for Democracy Dollars, including:

• Mayor
• City Attorney
• City Auditor
• Both District and At-Large City Council members
• Oakland School Board Directors

You can choose to give all your Dollars to one candidate or split your Dollars to multiple candidates. You may choose to use a few Dollars now and a few later. But don't wait too long because candidates can only accept a limited number of Dollars.

No, Democracy Dollars can only be. donated to participating candidates running for City of Oakland office.

Democracy Dollars may be returned online, directly to a candidate's campaign, to the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, or dropped-off at designated locations. Dollars must have your signature and the candidate's name clearly assigned to be processed.

Your Dollars are good from the time you receive them through November 30 in an election year. You can use your Dollars all at once or over the course of the year.

In November 2022, Oakland voters passed Measure W, the Oakland Fair Elections Act. Measure W enacted several campaign finance reforms that change the way campaigns are typically financed for Oakland candidates.

One major reform allows the Oakland Public Ethics Commission (Commission or PEC) to distribute "Democracy Dollars" to eligible Oakland residents. The new law outlines criteria for participation and thresholds that a candidate must meet to qualify for the program and receive their assigned vouchers, including campaign spending limits and participation in a certain number of public forums. The Democracy Dollars program also includes a significant outreach component to encourage broad participation in the new program.

Oakland is the first California city, and only the second city in the nation, to try this innovation in public campaign financing. The Commission is committed to increasing transparency, accountability, equity, and accessibility for how Oakland elections are financed.

There are many ways to stay informed and get involved in this exciting new program:

• Subscribe for email updates from the Public Ethics Commission;
• Follow us on social media;
• Visit the Democracy Dollars website;
• Come to the Commission's monthly meeting;
• Invite the Commission to your community organization;
• Apply to become a Commissioner!